Breaking Down the Different Hemp Cannabinoids

Hemp is mainly known for its two most popular and prevalent chemicals, CBD and THC. However, there are more compounds found in hemp that are often overlooked, yet still important to learn about. Three of the most important compounds are CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol) and CBN (cannabinol). Yes, we know the names are very similar, making this a little confusing. But don’t worry, we’re here to break them down for you.

Let’s start off with the one you’ve probably heard of: CBD. CBD aka cannabidiol is the main cannabinoid found in fiber and commercial hemp. It has non-psychoactive effects and is completely legal. CBD is able to be safely consumed without becoming intoxicating and preventing the user from focusing. It is for these reasons and relaxing properties that it has become increasingly popular, with more and more users incorporating CBD products into their everyday lives.

CBD has numerous health benefits. It helps relieve anxiety and can also help as an antidepressant, keeping the mind at ease. It can also be used to help promote healthy sleep cycles as well as provide relief from nausea. Topical CBD products such as lotions can be utilized for their anti-inflammatory properties and help to relieve joint pain as well. Overall, CBD has many redeeming benefits which explains its growing popularity.

One of the more minor cannabinoids found in the hemp plant is CBG, also known as cannabigerol. CBG, like CBD, is non-psychoactive. It is usually present in very low levels (less than 1%). Although there is still research to be done about the physical effects of CBG on the consumer, it seems to have promising results for medical usage. For example, CBG reduces intraocular pressure, so it is thought to be particularly effective in treating glaucoma.

In other studies, CBG was found to be effective in decreasing the inflammatory characteristics of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. CBG is also believed to show great promise as a cancer fighter, as it is shown to block receptors that cause cancer cell growth. All of this is still being studied, but overall, CBG is showing a promising range of potential benefits.

Another non-intoxicating compound found in the hemp plant is CBN, also known as cannabinol. CBN is a minor cannabinoid that is normally found in the cannabis plant as the THC ages. Of the three cannabinoids that we are talking about today, CBN still has the longest way to go in terms of research. Little has been proven about the physical effects of CBN.

CBN is primarily being studied for its potential in helping to treat patients with insomnia. Research has shown that CBN has the ability to work as a natural sedative. However, other research has also speculated that it is the combination of THC and CBN found in older cannabis plants which holds the sleep-inducing effect. Regardless, some products have emerged on the market sold as solo CBN products, marketed as sleep aids.

Overall, hemp is much more than just CBD and THC. More and more research is being done every day about the different cannabinoids and their potential health benefits. As the research progresses, we can expect to see more products being added to the market with a variety of benefits from the different properties each cannabinoid can bring. But for now, we’ll just be sipping on our CBD tea.